Where is Bashar Assad?

At least one source speaking to CNN today (Saturday) that Syrian dictator Bashar Assad is no longer in the increasingly besieged capital city of Damascus, though another source denies this.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that Assad may have reached out to the United States, offering to cut ties with Iran and Hezbollah in exchange for allowing his rule to remain. Assad's Syria has until now served as a key base and transit station for Iranian forces, weapons, and influence.

Contradictory reports are emerging regarding combat in the city, with rebel forces claiming gains around and even in Damascus, but with the Syrian Army command claiming they have established an impenetrable perimeter.